What does the end stage of dementia look like?

The late stage and end stage of dementia is also a progressive and declining in ability model. In late stage dementia the person may still be able to stand for short periods of time with support, may be able to take a few steps with support. May be able to sit up right for a few short minutes. The person with dementia may respond in short words or verbalizations when spoken to and may still be able to respond to simple commands. Person with dementia can still eat but meal must be soft pureed foods; liquids may have to be thickened to prevent choking. Person with dementia can no long recognize friends and family and may only recognize the care provider sometimes. The person will not be able to speak. The person will be fully incontinent of bowel and urine. All care needs are being provided for by the care provider. The person may be in a long term care home. Safety precautions must be taken for falls during transfers in and out of chairs and in and out of beds and baths as the person with dementia’s mobility is severely impaired. Often it will require two people to provide support to the person with dementia to keep them safe from falls. Often the person with dementia will have infections that require visits to the hospital, longer stays in the hospital and longer treatment courses of antibiotics. Please connect with an outreach counsellor at the Alzheimer Society Peel to discuss strategies and supports that can be offered at this stage in the disease process.